Fly tying: Making your own fine-tipped bodkin

As a fly tier that tries to do things as affordably as possible—yet still have quality tools and materials to craft the best possible flies—I'm always on the lookout for tips and tricks to achieve my goals.

Bodkins are simple tools—just a sharp stretch of wire attached to a handle. But, as Tim Flagler points out above, a fine-tipped bodkin really adds some precision to your fly tying, whether it be for separating fine materials or applying just the right amount of adhesive to finished flies. But most bodkins are just a bit too bulky. Tim has the solution—a simple chopstick and a fine sewing needle.